Abstract
Background
The relationship between sports participation and psychological well-being is well-documented, yet empirical evidence regarding the moderating role of community sports facilities remains inconclusive. This study tests whether facilities amplify or attenuate the well-being returns to exercise, using four-wave panel data from China (CFPS 2014, 2018, 2020, 2022).
Methods
Linear regression models with individual fixed effects were constructed using China Family Panel Studies data (CFPS 2014, 2018, 2020, and 2022; the 2016 wave was excluded because its happiness item reached only 2.5% of adults). The analytical sample comprised 71,326 observations from 23,818 individuals. Self-rated happiness (0−10 scale) was regressed on binary exercise participation, community sports facility count (0−5+), and their interaction, controlling for age and log household income. Robustness was tested via instrumental variable estimation (community mean exercise rate) and propensity score matching.
Results
Exercise positively predicted happiness (β = +0.074, p
Conclusions
Exercise benefits subjective well-being most where community sports facilities are least available—a directionally consistent substitution pattern. Facility investment may yield greater marginal returns when targeted at underserved communities.